KARACHI: Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) – Karachi-based think tank – hosted an interactive session on “Pakistan-Iran Relations: Present and Future” in Karachi. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan addressed the session. The session was attended by Consul Generals of Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Oman, business community of the city, and members of PCFR, says a Press release.
Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib, Chairman of PCFR presented the welcome address and thanked honorable Ambassador and worthy guests for attending the session. Ambassador Habib highlighted that Pakistan and Iran maintain warm cordial relations characterized by historic contacts and a common future. Ambassador Habib further stressed that both share a common destiny and strive to improve the condition of their people.
Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam began his talk by offering condolences on the killing of innocent Palestinians. Ambassador Moghaddam that the war in Gaza is not for a piece of land but for the entire Islamic civilization is threatened by the Zionist plan of further occupation and expansion. He further highlighted despite the high cost of supporting the Palestinian cause, Iran remains loud in its condemnation of Israel’s apartheid.
While talking about the relations between Pakistan and Iran, Ambassador Moghaddam maintained that in addition to the geographical connections, both countries are connected by shared history, cultural values, and civilizational ties.
The ambassador emphasized on advancing further trade and investments specially in the fields of medicine and technology. He further said that the potential of open border markets and the east-west transportation links that can enhance the connectivity between the two states. The ambassador stressed the role of Iranian and Pakistani think tanks and researchers in developing mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
ZubairTufail, Co-Chief Patron of PCFR while addressing the session emphasized the importance of trading relations between the countries. He maintained that despite sanctions Iran has shown resilience and determination for progress but the level of progress could have been higher if freed of sanctions.
Zubair further emphasized the further consolidation of trading relations between the two nations.
In the end, Ambassador G.R Baluch, Advisor PCFR presented the vote of thanks, and Justice Gulzar Ahmed along with Ahsan Mukhtar Zubairi presented the memento to the worthy guest.
